Aprire un'impresa in Senegal
Legal structures, registration steps and first business setup actions in Senegal.
Registration path
Fast-track route available
Business account
Needed for operations
Plan early
Accountant recommended
May be needed
Depends on structure
Why Senegal for Business?
Senegal is one of the most business-friendly environments in West Africa. It combines political stability — one of the few countries in the region with uninterrupted democratic governance — with a strategic Atlantic location, a growing middle class, strong infrastructure investment, and a legal framework (OHADA) that gives foreign investors the same rights as local ones.nnThe country has made significant progress on ease of doing business. Registration that used to take weeks can now be completed in under 10 days through the APIX one-stop shop. Foreign entrepreneurs can own 100% of their company and serve as directors without being resident in SenegalnnFor international residents already living in Dakar, starting a business here combines the advantages of a growing market, lower operating costs than Europe, and access to the entire ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) zone of 400 million people.
OHADA — the legal framework that matters
Senegal is part of OHADA (Organisation pour l’Harmonisation en Afrique du Droit des Affaires) — a unified commercial law system covering 17 Francophone and Lusophone African countries. This means your company structure and contracts in Senegal follow the same legal framework as in Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Gabon, and 13 other countries. A Responsabilità limitata, capitale min. 100k XOF, più comune in Senegal is essentially the same legal entity as a Responsabilità limitata, capitale min. 100k XOF, più comune in Ivory Coast. This significantly simplifies cross-border business in West and Central Africa.
Legal Structures — Choose the Right One
The choice of legal structure is the most important decision you make when starting a business in Senegal. It determines your liability, your tax obligations, your ability to raise capital, and how complex your administration will be. Here are the four main options.
Société à Responsabilité Limitée
Best for
- Small to medium businesses
- Freelancers and consultants
- International entrepreneurs launching a first business
- Retail, services, hospitality, consulting, technology
- Joint ventures with 2–5 partners
- Personal asset protection
Not recommended for
- Businesses raising capital from the public
- Regulated sectors requiring SA
- Large projects needing substantial funding
Société par Actions Simplifiée
Best for
- Startups with investors
- Future fundraising
- Technology and innovative companies
- Flexible ownership structures
- Complex joint ventures
Not recommended for
- Simple sole-trader activities
- Activities requiring an SA by regulation
Société Anonyme
Best for
- Large enterprises
- Public offerings
- Banca, insurance and mining
- Industrial and infrastructure projects
- Companies requiring external auditors
Not recommended for
- SMEs
- Solo entrepreneurs
- Small partnerships
Entreprise Individuelle / GIE
Best for
- Freelancers and artisans
- Testing business ideas
- Very small-scale activities
- Low-risk operations
Not recommended for
- Protecting significant personal assets
- Businesses with employees
- Financial or legal risk activities
- Corporate-facing businesses requiring strong credibility
Which Structure Should You Choose?
The Responsabilità limitata, capitale min. 100k XOF, più comune is the right structure for 80% of businesses in Senegal. It protects your personal assets, is fast to register, has a very low minimum capital requirement, allows 100% foreign ownership, requires no minimum number of shareholders beyond one, and is universally understood by Senegalese banks, suppliers, and government bodies. Choose Flessibile, ideale per startup instead if you have investors or plan to raise capital and need flexible shareholder agreement provisions. Choose SA only if your activity legally requires it.
The default choice for most entrepreneurs: Responsabilità limitata, capitale min. 100k XOF, più comune
For the vast majority of international entrepreneurs starting a business in Senegal, the answer is simple
Choose Flessibile, ideale per startup If…
You have investors or plan to raise capital in the future and need flexible shareholder agreements, stock options, vesting provisions, or investor rights.
Choose SA If…
Your activity legally requires an SA structure or you are planning a large-scale enterprise with significant capital requirements and formal corporate governance.
Step-by-Step Registration Process
Senegal operates a genuine one-stop shop for business registration through APIX (Agence de Promotion des Investissements et des Grands Travaux). The process is significantly simpler than in most African countries and can often be completed in under 10 days.
| Step | Action | What happens / what you need | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Choose your business name | Check name availability with APIX or RCCM (Commercial Registry). The name must be unique and not already registered. Choose a name in French or an internationally neutral name. | 1 day |
| 2 | Prepare required documents | Passport copies for all shareholders and directors. Criminal record less than 3 months old (or sworn declaration from notary for foreigners). Draft articles of association and proof of business address in Senegal. | 1–3 days |
| 3 | Go to the notary | The notary drafts and authenticates the articles of association and certifies the capital deposit. Mandatory for Responsabilità limitata, capitale min. 100k XOF, più comune and SA. Approx. cost: XOF 400,000 (EUR 610). | 1–2 days |
| 4 | Register at APIX BCE | Submit documents at the Business Creation Centre (BCE). APIX handles RCCM registration, Codice fiscale — obbligatorio per fatturare number, legal publication, and labor registration. Fee: XOF 25,000 (approx. EUR 38). | 1–3 days |
| 5 | Open a business bank account | Required to deposit share capital and operate the business. Banks include Ecobank, CBAO, BIS, and Bank of Africa. Required documents: RCCM, Codice fiscale — obbligatorio per fatturare, company statuts, ID. | 1–5 days |
| 6 | Register for tax | Register with DGID for corporate tax and VAT if applicable. Your Codice fiscale — obbligatorio per fatturare acts as your fiscal identification number. | 1–2 days |
| 7 | Sector permits (if required) | Some sectors require additional approvals: telecom (ARTP), financial services (BCEAO), food & beverage (health authority), import/export (Customs). | Variable |
| 8 | Hire employees (if applicable) | Register with CNSS and IPRES before hiring. Senegalese labor law is protective, so legal advice is recommended for employment contracts. | 1–2 days |
Complete Cost Breakdown
What does it actually cost to register a company in Senegal? Here is the honest breakdown of the main setup costs.
| Cost item | Responsabilità limitata, capitale min. 100k XOF, più comune (standard) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Notary fees (statuts + capital certification) | XOF 400,000 / EUR 610 | for capital of XOF 1,000,000, higher capital means higher fees |
| APIX registration fee | XOF 25,000 / EUR 38 | for capital under XOF 10M, 1% of capital if above XOF 10M |
| Legal announcements journal publication | XOF 30,000–50,000 / EUR 46–76 | mandatory public announcement |
| RCCM registration | Included | included in APIX fee |
| Codice fiscale — obbligatorio per fatturare number | Included | included in APIX fee |
| Business lawyer | XOF 100,000–300,000 / EUR 150–460 | optional but strongly recommended for foreigners |
| Business address registration | EUR 50–200/month | virtual office or physical address in Dakar |
| Bank account opening | Usually free | some banks require a minimum deposit |
| TOTAL ESTIMATED COST | EUR 844–1,384 | excluding minimum share capital |
The notary is not optional. In Senegal, as in all OHADA countries, the notary plays a mandatory and central role in company formation. You cannot register a Responsabilità limitata, capitale min. 100k XOF, più comune without a notary. The notary drafts the articles of association, authenticates the signatures, certifies the capital deposit, and takes legal responsibility for the validity of the company documents. Budget for notary fees from the start.
Specific Considerations for Foreign Imprenditore/as
What foreigners can do
- 100% foreign ownership allowed
- No local partner required
- Foreign directors allowed
- Profit repatriation permitted (WAEMU rules)
- Foreign currency accounts available
Work permit (CIE)
- Required if actively working in Senegal
- Apply within 3 months of arrival
- Valid 1–3 years (renewable)
- Processing: 4–8 weeks
- Requires RCCM, Codice fiscale — obbligatorio per fatturare, address, contract
Banca for foreign-owned companies
Opening a business bank account in Senegal as a foreigner is possible but requires preparation.
- Best banks for foreign-owned businesses: Ecobank, CBAO (Attijariwafa), Bank of Africa, BIS.
- Required: RCCM certificate, Codice fiscale — obbligatorio per fatturare number, company statuts, passport, business address. Some banks require an introduction from a local contact or existing client.
- International wire transfers: possible — SWIFT codes available for all major Senegalese banks.
- WAEMU zone transfers: free and fast — same-day for transfers within WAEMU countries.
Key Agencies and Contattis
| Agency | Role | Contatti / notes |
|---|---|---|
| APIX | Investment promotion + business registration one-stop shop | investinsenegal.biz / Rue du Dr Thèze, Dakar |
| RCCM | Commercial and Property Credit Registry | part of APIX one-stop shop process |
| Codice fiscale — obbligatorio per fatturare / DGID | Fiscal identification number + tax authority | impotsetdomaines.gouv.sn |
| ADEPME | SME development and support agency | adepme.sn / free advice for SMEs |
| CNSS | Social security registration for employees | cns.sn |
| IPRES | Pension fund registration for employees | ipres.sn |
| OHADA | Business law framework, 17 countries | ohada.com |
Documents Checklist for Responsabilità limitata, capitale min. 100k XOF, più comune Registration
- Valid passport for all shareholders and directors
- Criminal record less than 3 months old from country of origin, apostilled if required, or sworn declaration from a Senegalese notary
- Proof of business address in Senegal
- Azienda name verified with APIX or RCCM
- Draft description of business activity in French
- Proposed share capital amount and allocation between shareholders
- Designated manager/gérant
- Certified translation of documents not in French
- For bank account, all of the above plus completed RCCM certificate after registration
Practical Advice for Getting Started
Hire a local lawyer
OHADA law is technical. Legal guidance saves time and money and is especially important for foreigners.
Use ADEPME
Free government support agency for SMEs during setup. They provide free advisory services and can help with the registration process.
Choose your notary carefully
Experience with foreign-owned companies is important. Ask for a referral from a local entrepreneur or your concierge.
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Related Guide
Complete guide to visas, residence permits, and required documents.
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